Haven't blogged in a while and since it is just after the All-Star Break I thought I would break down the Yankees so far this season and see where they stand and where improvement needs to be made.
Offense: A-
This is one of the most productive offensives in the entire league scoring 502 runs so far. While everyone knows you can't expect to win a World Series title with just offense scoring an average of over 5 runs a game can't hurt.
The biggest issue with the offense so far has been CONSISTENTLY getting hits in big spots. The team sometimes seems to live or die by the home run and this works a fair amount of the time at the new Yankee Stadium because of how many balls fly out of that place. On the road however, more situational hitting is necessary and the Yankees need to do that on a regular basis. One other note: the team needs to be able to hit young pitchers they haven't seen before.
Defense: B
Nothing too special here except for Mark Teixeira. The team currently has a .986 fielding percentage, the 11th best in the majors. The Yankees rarely seem to get on the highlight film but they make a good deal of quality plays. Mark Teixeira has been a revelation at first base and Melky has played especially well in the outfield. Robinson Cano is turning into a slick second baseman. All in all, defense is definitely not a weakness for this squad and shouldn't lose them too many ball games down the stretch.
Starting Pitching: B
There have definitely been ups and downs with the starting staff in the first half of the season. Burnett has been streaky but recently has usually found a way to keep the team in the game. CC had been great but seemed to struggle a bit leading up to the All-Star Break. Andy Pettitte needs to figure out how to pitch in Yankee Stadium and to avoid the big inning and throwing 100 pitches in 5 innings.
And then of course there is Joba Chamberlain. He has struggled mightily since his gem against Cleveland at the beginning of June. He can't seem to get hitters out quickly and he is ususally in a 3-2 count. It seems as if he is becoming predictable at times and can't throw strikes consistently. More worrisome is his velocity. His fastball ranges from 90-93 mph and sometimes will hit 95 towards the later innings. What happened to the 98-99mph we saw in the bullpen last year? Now, it cannot be expected he can do that consistently as a starter but he should be 94-96 consistently. Did the arm problem he have at the end of last year have an effect?
The biggest question mark is what about the 5th starter with Wang on the DL. The Yanks will give Mitre a try on Tuesday and go from there. Hughes will stay in the bullpen (more on him in a future blog)
Bullpen: B-
The reason I am giving them a B- is because other than Aceves, Hughes, and Rivera, no one else can be trusted to give you a quality inning with no runs allowed. Phil Coke had been good but has faltered and it seems as though he is lights out or cant get anyone out. Roberston is young and inexperienced. Brian Bruney can't seem to find what he had before his injury.
At this point, the Yankees could desparately need another quality arm in the bullpen.
Bench: C
There really is no bench for the Yankees. The Eric Hinske addition is definitely a big boost but other than that you have Cody Ransom, Brett Gardener, and Jose Molina. Ransom is useless off the bench and so is Molina. The only positive is Brett Gardener since he can steal a base easily. Another veteran hitter (back-up infeilder) might be good to trade for.
Overall: B+
More consistency is needed overall. But the Yankees look like they have enough to make the playoffs, either as the division winner or the wild card.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Double Play Dooms Yanks
After a solid performance on Friday night versus the Marlins, the Yanks got exactly what they needed from AJ Burnett on Saturday. Unfortunately, the offense was held in check by Marlins pitching as they only scored one run and lost 2-1. One of the Marlins runs was unearned on a Johnny Damon fielding error but the problem for the Yankees was the double play ball.
Jeter grounded into 2 double plays. The second one being during the 8th inning with men on 1st and 2nd with no one out. That killed the Yankees rally in that inning. Posada should have had a double play in the 8th as well, but the Yanks got lucky. Lastly, after Mark Texiera's single to lead off the 9th, Posada popped up. And then Cano, swinging at the first pitch, grounded into a game ending double play...his 2nd in the past week.
The bottom line here is that the Marlins had great pitching tonight and the Yankees need to learn how to execute in key situations. That was one of their biggest problems last season. You can't wait for the home run all of the time. In the postseason, there are going to be a lot of games that are won 2-1 or 3-2. And the Yankees need to learn how to convert in key spots...situational hitting practice time!
Jeter grounded into 2 double plays. The second one being during the 8th inning with men on 1st and 2nd with no one out. That killed the Yankees rally in that inning. Posada should have had a double play in the 8th as well, but the Yanks got lucky. Lastly, after Mark Texiera's single to lead off the 9th, Posada popped up. And then Cano, swinging at the first pitch, grounded into a game ending double play...his 2nd in the past week.
The bottom line here is that the Marlins had great pitching tonight and the Yankees need to learn how to execute in key situations. That was one of their biggest problems last season. You can't wait for the home run all of the time. In the postseason, there are going to be a lot of games that are won 2-1 or 3-2. And the Yankees need to learn how to convert in key spots...situational hitting practice time!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Stop Blaming Girardi...
I'm beginning to see alot of people get on Joe Girardi for blowing games (like this one tonight which the Yanks lost 3-2 against the lowly Nationals). I really do not understand this argument. Let us look at the 9th inning of tonight's game.
-First, Damon hits a home run to bring the game to within 1 run--A good start
-Then Swisher flies out to left field--not a good at bat by Swish
-Then Teixiera singles and is replaced by Gardner at first as pinch runner --Good decision by Girardi
-Then Gardner steals 2nd (ON A PITCHOUT!)--Good decision by Girardi
-Gardner steals 3rd (NO ONE on the Nationals was even payin attention--No throw!)--Good decision by Girardi
-Cano works a 9 pitch at bat!! BUT grounds into a 6-4-3 double play.
This last point is what has people upset already. Apparently, the "Monday Morning Quaterbacks" are saying Girardi should have put on the squeeze play with Gardner at 3rd. While this is nice in retrospect, are you really going to have Robinson Cano BUNT WHEN HE WAS 4-4 YESTERDAY and had a HOME RUN today?!?!?! I don't think so...he could have won the game with a home run. If you have a different hitter at the plate, then maybe you use the squeeze play.
Another complaint by the "Monday Morning Quaterbacks" is that Girardi should have had A-Rod steal 2nd or play hit and run with Cano at the plate. While this seems like a good plan, A-Rod is still NOT at top speed and had a much better likely-hood of being thrown out at 2nd...definitely on a straight steal. And on a hit and run, A-Rod would probably get a more conservative jump meaning if Cano swung and missed, Alex is still thrown out.
All in all, with Cano at the plate, you expect him (4-4 yesterday...and already a home run today) to put together a quality at bat and try and get on base. He accomplished part one as he worked a 9 pitch at-bat but in the end grounded into a game losing double play.
The bottom line here is the CANO didn't execute properly, NOT Girardi. A tough loss for the Yanks tonight but in the end, Girardi should not get the blame.
-First, Damon hits a home run to bring the game to within 1 run--A good start
-Then Swisher flies out to left field--not a good at bat by Swish
-Then Teixiera singles and is replaced by Gardner at first as pinch runner --Good decision by Girardi
-Then Gardner steals 2nd (ON A PITCHOUT!)--Good decision by Girardi
-Gardner steals 3rd (NO ONE on the Nationals was even payin attention--No throw!)--Good decision by Girardi
-Cano works a 9 pitch at bat!! BUT grounds into a 6-4-3 double play.
This last point is what has people upset already. Apparently, the "Monday Morning Quaterbacks" are saying Girardi should have put on the squeeze play with Gardner at 3rd. While this is nice in retrospect, are you really going to have Robinson Cano BUNT WHEN HE WAS 4-4 YESTERDAY and had a HOME RUN today?!?!?! I don't think so...he could have won the game with a home run. If you have a different hitter at the plate, then maybe you use the squeeze play.
Another complaint by the "Monday Morning Quaterbacks" is that Girardi should have had A-Rod steal 2nd or play hit and run with Cano at the plate. While this seems like a good plan, A-Rod is still NOT at top speed and had a much better likely-hood of being thrown out at 2nd...definitely on a straight steal. And on a hit and run, A-Rod would probably get a more conservative jump meaning if Cano swung and missed, Alex is still thrown out.
All in all, with Cano at the plate, you expect him (4-4 yesterday...and already a home run today) to put together a quality at bat and try and get on base. He accomplished part one as he worked a 9 pitch at-bat but in the end grounded into a game losing double play.
The bottom line here is the CANO didn't execute properly, NOT Girardi. A tough loss for the Yanks tonight but in the end, Girardi should not get the blame.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Subway Series #1 Goes to the Yanks
Round 1 of the 2009 Subway Series went to the Yanks this weekend as they took 2 of 3 from the injured and worn out Mets. It was quite a weekend and each game definitely had an extremely interesting storyline. A quick look at each game:
Game 1: Back and forth offensive game with neither starting pitcher on his game. Joba struggled with his pitch count, getting to 100 pitches after 4 innings. He only allowed 1 hit but he did hit 2 batters and walked a couple. The offenses for each team came alive and it was a nice display of power for both sides. But of course, this game will be remembered for its absolutely bizarre ending. With the outstanding K-Rod on the hill to close out the game, he allowed Jeter and Teixiera to reach base with A-Rod coming to the plate. Alex then proceeded to pop-up to Castillo and throw his bat down in frustration. What happened next will always be remembered in Subway Series history--Castillo dropped the pop-up!! Teixiera, motoring around from 1st base with 2 outs, never stopped running and scored the winning run...the Yankees had another walk-off win, 9-8. What an ending...if the Mets finish one game out of the playoffs, Castillo will always be remembered for letting that game slip between his hands.
Game 2: A lopsided victory for the Mets with journeyman Neive pitching brilliantly and keeping the Yankee offense in check. Pettitte struggled and this game was a good rebound for the Mets after the devastating loss from the night before.
Game 3: Unfortunately for the Mets, they couldn't keep the good vibes going for Game 3. With Santana on the hill for the Mets and Burnett for the Yankees most people bet on a great pitching duel...what insued, was a one-sided Yankee slugfest. Santana struggled with his control and velocity, making it only 3+ innings and yeilding a career high 9 ER. Burnett on the otherhand, escaped a bases loaded, nobody out jam in the 3rd by striking out two and a soft line drive to Jeter. From that point on, he rolled, pitching 7 innings. Robertson and Hughes came on in relief to put the finishing touches on a 15-0 shut out, one of the biggest in franchise history.
This weekend taught us about both teams. The Yanks were resilient after being swept by the Red Sox, and the Mets were resilient after Castillo dropped the pop-up. Unfortunately for the Mets, the are ravaged by injuries and now with a struggling Johan Santana, it is looking harder and harder to catch the Phillies in the NL East.
After this point in the season, it looks like the Yanks are in the better position to make a playoff run. The Mets need to get healthy, make a trade or two, and have Santana pitch like an ace again to have a legitimate shot at the postseason.
Next up for the Yanks: that Single A baseball team from DC!
Game 1: Back and forth offensive game with neither starting pitcher on his game. Joba struggled with his pitch count, getting to 100 pitches after 4 innings. He only allowed 1 hit but he did hit 2 batters and walked a couple. The offenses for each team came alive and it was a nice display of power for both sides. But of course, this game will be remembered for its absolutely bizarre ending. With the outstanding K-Rod on the hill to close out the game, he allowed Jeter and Teixiera to reach base with A-Rod coming to the plate. Alex then proceeded to pop-up to Castillo and throw his bat down in frustration. What happened next will always be remembered in Subway Series history--Castillo dropped the pop-up!! Teixiera, motoring around from 1st base with 2 outs, never stopped running and scored the winning run...the Yankees had another walk-off win, 9-8. What an ending...if the Mets finish one game out of the playoffs, Castillo will always be remembered for letting that game slip between his hands.
Game 2: A lopsided victory for the Mets with journeyman Neive pitching brilliantly and keeping the Yankee offense in check. Pettitte struggled and this game was a good rebound for the Mets after the devastating loss from the night before.
Game 3: Unfortunately for the Mets, they couldn't keep the good vibes going for Game 3. With Santana on the hill for the Mets and Burnett for the Yankees most people bet on a great pitching duel...what insued, was a one-sided Yankee slugfest. Santana struggled with his control and velocity, making it only 3+ innings and yeilding a career high 9 ER. Burnett on the otherhand, escaped a bases loaded, nobody out jam in the 3rd by striking out two and a soft line drive to Jeter. From that point on, he rolled, pitching 7 innings. Robertson and Hughes came on in relief to put the finishing touches on a 15-0 shut out, one of the biggest in franchise history.
This weekend taught us about both teams. The Yanks were resilient after being swept by the Red Sox, and the Mets were resilient after Castillo dropped the pop-up. Unfortunately for the Mets, the are ravaged by injuries and now with a struggling Johan Santana, it is looking harder and harder to catch the Phillies in the NL East.
After this point in the season, it looks like the Yanks are in the better position to make a playoff run. The Mets need to get healthy, make a trade or two, and have Santana pitch like an ace again to have a legitimate shot at the postseason.
Next up for the Yanks: that Single A baseball team from DC!
Friday, June 12, 2009
What to do with Wang...
Much has been made of Chien-Ming Wang's struggles this season. His unsightly 14.34 ERA is definitely cause for concern but if you look at his past few outings, he definitely has been improving.
Now, I know a lot of people are going to argue here and say, "How can he possibly be getting better when he goes 4.2 innings, gives up 7 hits and 5 runs against the Rangers, and THEN goes 2.2 innings, gives up 6 hits and 4 runs against the Red Sox?" Yes, the raw numbers do not look promising but sometimes you have to watch the actual pitches themselves before you draw any conclusions.
Take the Texas game for example. Wang retired 2 of 3 batters in the first inning with strikeouts and had another 1-2-3 inning in the 2nd, retiring the hitters with 2 groundouts and 1 strikeout. That is basically vintage Wang. I watched the game and was extremely impressed with what I saw. The sinker was down and was consistently 92-94 mph and he also had a tight slider. As the game went along, he seemed to lose his control on the sinker and it began to "float" in the zone, instead of bearing down. To me, he lost his good stuff due to the fact that it was his first major league start in about a month so he began to tire a bit.
Now the Boston game. Not as good as the Texas one, but definitely could see signs of the old Wang. The velocity was extremely impressive (94-95 mph). This time though, he couldn't find his arm slot and was consistently out of the strike zone with all of his pitches.
The bottom line here is Wang is NOT pitching the way he pitched for his first few starts back in April. The veloicity is back, and the weakened muscles he had early in the season have definitely healed. The problem now is Wang's consistency and confidence. Any pitcher who has won 19 games 2 years in a row and starts the season with a 34.5o ERA is going to take a hit to his confidence. His work out of the bullpen certainly helped but he needs to do it by making starts. I am by no means saying he needs to make 4 or 5 more bad starts, but Girardi should give him 1 or 2 more and see what happens. Wang WILL get another shot this coming week and we'll see if he can be more consistent. The stuff is there sporadically, you can see it.
Wang will play a role for the Yanks the rest of the season and I believe it will be in the rotation.
Now, I know a lot of people are going to argue here and say, "How can he possibly be getting better when he goes 4.2 innings, gives up 7 hits and 5 runs against the Rangers, and THEN goes 2.2 innings, gives up 6 hits and 4 runs against the Red Sox?" Yes, the raw numbers do not look promising but sometimes you have to watch the actual pitches themselves before you draw any conclusions.
Take the Texas game for example. Wang retired 2 of 3 batters in the first inning with strikeouts and had another 1-2-3 inning in the 2nd, retiring the hitters with 2 groundouts and 1 strikeout. That is basically vintage Wang. I watched the game and was extremely impressed with what I saw. The sinker was down and was consistently 92-94 mph and he also had a tight slider. As the game went along, he seemed to lose his control on the sinker and it began to "float" in the zone, instead of bearing down. To me, he lost his good stuff due to the fact that it was his first major league start in about a month so he began to tire a bit.
Now the Boston game. Not as good as the Texas one, but definitely could see signs of the old Wang. The velocity was extremely impressive (94-95 mph). This time though, he couldn't find his arm slot and was consistently out of the strike zone with all of his pitches.
The bottom line here is Wang is NOT pitching the way he pitched for his first few starts back in April. The veloicity is back, and the weakened muscles he had early in the season have definitely healed. The problem now is Wang's consistency and confidence. Any pitcher who has won 19 games 2 years in a row and starts the season with a 34.5o ERA is going to take a hit to his confidence. His work out of the bullpen certainly helped but he needs to do it by making starts. I am by no means saying he needs to make 4 or 5 more bad starts, but Girardi should give him 1 or 2 more and see what happens. Wang WILL get another shot this coming week and we'll see if he can be more consistent. The stuff is there sporadically, you can see it.
Wang will play a role for the Yanks the rest of the season and I believe it will be in the rotation.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
8 In a Row by Boston...
Well, by now, I, and many other Yankee fans throughout the country are lamenting the 9th consecutive (8th this season) loss at the hands of the Red Sox. It definitely has not gone the Yankees way in many of these contests so far this season. A few examples.
-Nick Swisher being doubled off yesterday and today
-Jeter's chopper up the middle that Green got to in the 9th today
-Teixeira's liner to end the game...hit it hard but right at Youkilis.
Yes, some of the things that have happened have been mental mistakes and yes you can't expect to win games when your starters give you 2.2 innings each (cough...Burnett and Wang...cough) but 9 games in a row?! You would think the Yanks would have gotten lucky by now.
Don't get the sense that I'm distraught, because I'm not. We're only 2 games back. We're 8 games over .500. We have a much better team than last year. So it is only a matter of time before the team starts to beat Boston. I mean, how often can you say that you're 0-8 against a team in your division but only 2 games behind them? The Yanks will turn it around, it's the law of averages. And even if they don't turn it around against the Sox this regular season, maybe the post season is where the Yanks are waiting to pound it to the Sox. Either way, there are still about 100 games to go and nothing is decided yet.
Go Yanks!
-Nick Swisher being doubled off yesterday and today
-Jeter's chopper up the middle that Green got to in the 9th today
-Teixeira's liner to end the game...hit it hard but right at Youkilis.
Yes, some of the things that have happened have been mental mistakes and yes you can't expect to win games when your starters give you 2.2 innings each (cough...Burnett and Wang...cough) but 9 games in a row?! You would think the Yanks would have gotten lucky by now.
Don't get the sense that I'm distraught, because I'm not. We're only 2 games back. We're 8 games over .500. We have a much better team than last year. So it is only a matter of time before the team starts to beat Boston. I mean, how often can you say that you're 0-8 against a team in your division but only 2 games behind them? The Yanks will turn it around, it's the law of averages. And even if they don't turn it around against the Sox this regular season, maybe the post season is where the Yanks are waiting to pound it to the Sox. Either way, there are still about 100 games to go and nothing is decided yet.
Go Yanks!
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